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Katherine C. Malpeli

Kate Malpeli is a Biologist with the U.S. Geological Survey's National Climate Adaptation Science Center. She works on communications and science synthesis for the National and Regional Climate Adaptation Science Center network.

Kate Malpeli is a Biologist with the USGS National Climate Adaptation Science Center. In this role, Kate helps communicate the activities of the National and Regional Climate Adaptation Science Centers to stakeholders and decision-makers. She is also leading evidence synthesis activities to understand the effects of climate variability and change on ungulates populations and the effects of climate on human-wildlife conflict. 

Kate received her M.S. in Environmental Science and Policy from George Mason University in 2017, where her research focused analyzing the spatial-temporal patterns of human-black bear conflict in Virginia. She also has a B.A. in Geography from the University of Mary Washington.

Education and Certifications

  • M.S. in Environmental Science and Policy, George Mason University

  • B.A. in Geography, University of Mary Washington

Science and Products

Existing evidence on the effects of climate variability and climate change on ungulates in North America: A systematic map

BackgroundClimate is an important driver of ungulate life-histories, population dynamics, and migratory behaviors. Climate conditions can directly impact ungulates via changes in the costs of thermoregulation and locomotion, or indirectly, via changes in habitat and forage availability, predation, and species interactions. Many studies have documented the effects of climate variability and climate
Authors
Kate Malpeli, Sarah C. Endyke, Sarah R. Weiskopf, Laura Thompson, Ciara G. Johnson, Katherine Anne Kurth, Maxfield A. Carlin
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Climate Adaptation Science Centers

A systematic review of the effects of climate variability and change on black and brown bear ecology and interactions with humans

Climate change poses a pervasive threat to humans and wildlife by altering resource availability, changing co-occurrences, and directly or indirectly influencing human-wildlife interactions. For many wildlife agencies in North America, managing bears (Ursus spp.) and human-bear interactions is a priority, yet the direct and indirect effects of climate change are exacerbating management challenges.
Authors
Katherine Anne Kurth, Kate Malpeli, Joseph D. Clark, Heather E. Johnson, Frank T. van Manen
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Climate Adaptation Science Centers, Alaska Science Center, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center

Ungulate migration in a changing climate—An initial assessment of climate impacts, management priorities, and science needs

Executive SummaryMigratory behavior among ungulates in the Western United States occurs in response to changing forage quality and quantity, weather patterns, and predation risk. As snow melts and vegetation green-up begins in late spring and early summer, many migratory ungulates leave their winter range and move to higher elevation summer ranges to access high-quality forage and areas with veget
Authors
Katherine C. Malpeli
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Climate Adaptation Science Centers

Connectivity and climate change toolkit

The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies’ Climate Adaptation Committee charged a small working group in September of 2019 to develop a toolkit focused on climate-informed landscape connectivity. The purpose is to provide state fish and wildlife agency planners and managers with the information necessary to ensure climate considerations are being accounted for and incorporated in the planning
Authors
Whitney Albright, Rob Ament, Renee Callahan, Mack W. Frantz, Matthew R. Grabau, Maggie Ernest Johnson, Todd Jones-Farrand, Kate Malpeli, Maureen Millmann, Nathan Muenks, Rebecca Quiñones, Beth Stys, Kimberly Tenggardjaja
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Climate Adaptation Science Centers

What are the effects of climate variability and change on ungulate life-histories, population dynamics, and migration in western North America? A systematic map protocol

Climate is an important driver of ungulate life-histories, population dynamics, and migratory behaviors, and can affect the growth, development, fecundity, dispersal, and demographic trends of populations. Changes in temperature and precipitation, and resulting shifts in plant phenology, winter severity, drought and wildfire conditions, invasive species distribution and abundance, predation, and d
Authors
Kate Malpeli, Sarah R. Weiskopf, Laura Thompson, Amanda R. Hardy
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Climate Adaptation Science Centers

Drought in the U.S. Caribbean:Impacts to Coastal Estuary Ecosystems

The topography of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) is characterized by steep terrain and short distances to the sea. This means that freshwater runs off the islands quickly, coming into contact with seawater in coastal estuaries. The physical characteristics of estuaries change as the tides rise and fall, creating a wide range of habitats that support diverse plants and wildlife, inc
Authors
Brent Murry, Miguel Garcia-Bermudez, Shelley Crausbay, Kate Malpeli
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Climate Adaptation Science Centers

Topographic and Hydrographic GIS Datasets for the Afghanistan Geological Survey and U.S. Geological Survey 2014 Mineral Areas of Interest

Mineral extraction and associated industries play an important role in the Afghan economy, particularly in the “transitional era” of declining foreign aid and withdrawal of foreign troops post 2014. In addition to providing a substantial source of government revenue, other potential benefits of natural resource development include boosted exports, employment opportunities, and strengthened industr
Authors
Jessica D. DeWitt, Peter G. Chirico, Katherine C. Malpeli
By
Florence Bascom Geoscience Center, International Programs, USGS Projects in Afghanistan

Non-USGS Publications**

Malpeli, K.C., Kolowski, J.M., and Sajecki, J.L., 2021, The spatial distribution of American black bear-human interactions in Virgina, USA. Ursus 2021(31218), 1-15.

**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.

link
A clear blue lake with vibrant green foliage on the opposite shore, under blue skies

Biodiversity and Climate Change Assessment

Understanding the interplay between biodiversity and climate change is critical for the implementation of effective and lasting solutions to climate change and for maintaining biodiversity and nature’s contributions to people. The USGS was charged by the US Congress in the Fiscal Year 2022 budget with conducting an assessment that characterizes the state of understanding concerning linkages...
By
Climate Adaptation Science Centers
link

Biodiversity and Climate Change Assessment

Understanding the interplay between biodiversity and climate change is critical for the implementation of effective and lasting solutions to climate change and for maintaining biodiversity and nature’s contributions to people. The USGS was charged by the US Congress in the Fiscal Year 2022 budget with conducting an assessment that characterizes the state of understanding concerning linkages...
Learn More
link

The Effects of Climate Variability and Change on Human-Bear Interactions in North America

Negative human-bear interactions are a common problem and management priority for many wildlife agencies in North America. Bears are adaptable to anthropogenic activity and food sources which creates opportunities for conflict with humans, including property damage, livestock depredation, and in severe cases, human injury. Acute climate events and long-term directional climate change can exacerbat
By
Climate Adaptation Science Centers
link

The Effects of Climate Variability and Change on Human-Bear Interactions in North America

Negative human-bear interactions are a common problem and management priority for many wildlife agencies in North America. Bears are adaptable to anthropogenic activity and food sources which creates opportunities for conflict with humans, including property damage, livestock depredation, and in severe cases, human injury. Acute climate events and long-term directional climate change can exacerbat
Learn More
link
Photo of elk with plains and mountains in background

Understanding the Effects of Climate Variability and Change on Ungulates in North America

Ungulates, or hoofed mammals such as elk, deer, and moose, occupy a diversity of habitats across North America, from Canada’s high arctic to the deserts of Mexico. Ungulates play an important ecological role, helping to regulate processes such as nutrient cycling in forests and grasslands, through their grazing activities. They are also economically and culturally important, providing recreational
By
Climate Adaptation Science Centers
link

Understanding the Effects of Climate Variability and Change on Ungulates in North America

Ungulates, or hoofed mammals such as elk, deer, and moose, occupy a diversity of habitats across North America, from Canada’s high arctic to the deserts of Mexico. Ungulates play an important ecological role, helping to regulate processes such as nutrient cycling in forests and grasslands, through their grazing activities. They are also economically and culturally important, providing recreational
Learn More
New Publication Synthesizes Climate Effects on Bears and their Interactions with Humans

New Publication Synthesizes Climate Effects on Bears and their Interactions with Humans

In a new synthesis publication, USGS researchers reviewed the documented and projected effects of climate on the ecology of black and brown bears in...

Read Article

Science and Products

Existing evidence on the effects of climate variability and climate change on ungulates in North America: A systematic map

BackgroundClimate is an important driver of ungulate life-histories, population dynamics, and migratory behaviors. Climate conditions can directly impact ungulates via changes in the costs of thermoregulation and locomotion, or indirectly, via changes in habitat and forage availability, predation, and species interactions. Many studies have documented the effects of climate variability and climate
Authors
Kate Malpeli, Sarah C. Endyke, Sarah R. Weiskopf, Laura Thompson, Ciara G. Johnson, Katherine Anne Kurth, Maxfield A. Carlin
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Climate Adaptation Science Centers

A systematic review of the effects of climate variability and change on black and brown bear ecology and interactions with humans

Climate change poses a pervasive threat to humans and wildlife by altering resource availability, changing co-occurrences, and directly or indirectly influencing human-wildlife interactions. For many wildlife agencies in North America, managing bears (Ursus spp.) and human-bear interactions is a priority, yet the direct and indirect effects of climate change are exacerbating management challenges.
Authors
Katherine Anne Kurth, Kate Malpeli, Joseph D. Clark, Heather E. Johnson, Frank T. van Manen
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Climate Adaptation Science Centers, Alaska Science Center, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center

Ungulate migration in a changing climate—An initial assessment of climate impacts, management priorities, and science needs

Executive SummaryMigratory behavior among ungulates in the Western United States occurs in response to changing forage quality and quantity, weather patterns, and predation risk. As snow melts and vegetation green-up begins in late spring and early summer, many migratory ungulates leave their winter range and move to higher elevation summer ranges to access high-quality forage and areas with veget
Authors
Katherine C. Malpeli
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Climate Adaptation Science Centers

Connectivity and climate change toolkit

The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies’ Climate Adaptation Committee charged a small working group in September of 2019 to develop a toolkit focused on climate-informed landscape connectivity. The purpose is to provide state fish and wildlife agency planners and managers with the information necessary to ensure climate considerations are being accounted for and incorporated in the planning
Authors
Whitney Albright, Rob Ament, Renee Callahan, Mack W. Frantz, Matthew R. Grabau, Maggie Ernest Johnson, Todd Jones-Farrand, Kate Malpeli, Maureen Millmann, Nathan Muenks, Rebecca Quiñones, Beth Stys, Kimberly Tenggardjaja
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Climate Adaptation Science Centers

What are the effects of climate variability and change on ungulate life-histories, population dynamics, and migration in western North America? A systematic map protocol

Climate is an important driver of ungulate life-histories, population dynamics, and migratory behaviors, and can affect the growth, development, fecundity, dispersal, and demographic trends of populations. Changes in temperature and precipitation, and resulting shifts in plant phenology, winter severity, drought and wildfire conditions, invasive species distribution and abundance, predation, and d
Authors
Kate Malpeli, Sarah R. Weiskopf, Laura Thompson, Amanda R. Hardy
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Climate Adaptation Science Centers

Drought in the U.S. Caribbean:Impacts to Coastal Estuary Ecosystems

The topography of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) is characterized by steep terrain and short distances to the sea. This means that freshwater runs off the islands quickly, coming into contact with seawater in coastal estuaries. The physical characteristics of estuaries change as the tides rise and fall, creating a wide range of habitats that support diverse plants and wildlife, inc
Authors
Brent Murry, Miguel Garcia-Bermudez, Shelley Crausbay, Kate Malpeli
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Climate Adaptation Science Centers

Topographic and Hydrographic GIS Datasets for the Afghanistan Geological Survey and U.S. Geological Survey 2014 Mineral Areas of Interest

Mineral extraction and associated industries play an important role in the Afghan economy, particularly in the “transitional era” of declining foreign aid and withdrawal of foreign troops post 2014. In addition to providing a substantial source of government revenue, other potential benefits of natural resource development include boosted exports, employment opportunities, and strengthened industr
Authors
Jessica D. DeWitt, Peter G. Chirico, Katherine C. Malpeli
By
Florence Bascom Geoscience Center, International Programs, USGS Projects in Afghanistan

Non-USGS Publications**

Malpeli, K.C., Kolowski, J.M., and Sajecki, J.L., 2021, The spatial distribution of American black bear-human interactions in Virgina, USA. Ursus 2021(31218), 1-15.

**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.

link
A clear blue lake with vibrant green foliage on the opposite shore, under blue skies

Biodiversity and Climate Change Assessment

Understanding the interplay between biodiversity and climate change is critical for the implementation of effective and lasting solutions to climate change and for maintaining biodiversity and nature’s contributions to people. The USGS was charged by the US Congress in the Fiscal Year 2022 budget with conducting an assessment that characterizes the state of understanding concerning linkages...
By
Climate Adaptation Science Centers
link

Biodiversity and Climate Change Assessment

Understanding the interplay between biodiversity and climate change is critical for the implementation of effective and lasting solutions to climate change and for maintaining biodiversity and nature’s contributions to people. The USGS was charged by the US Congress in the Fiscal Year 2022 budget with conducting an assessment that characterizes the state of understanding concerning linkages...
Learn More
link

The Effects of Climate Variability and Change on Human-Bear Interactions in North America

Negative human-bear interactions are a common problem and management priority for many wildlife agencies in North America. Bears are adaptable to anthropogenic activity and food sources which creates opportunities for conflict with humans, including property damage, livestock depredation, and in severe cases, human injury. Acute climate events and long-term directional climate change can exacerbat
By
Climate Adaptation Science Centers
link

The Effects of Climate Variability and Change on Human-Bear Interactions in North America

Negative human-bear interactions are a common problem and management priority for many wildlife agencies in North America. Bears are adaptable to anthropogenic activity and food sources which creates opportunities for conflict with humans, including property damage, livestock depredation, and in severe cases, human injury. Acute climate events and long-term directional climate change can exacerbat
Learn More
link
Photo of elk with plains and mountains in background

Understanding the Effects of Climate Variability and Change on Ungulates in North America

Ungulates, or hoofed mammals such as elk, deer, and moose, occupy a diversity of habitats across North America, from Canada’s high arctic to the deserts of Mexico. Ungulates play an important ecological role, helping to regulate processes such as nutrient cycling in forests and grasslands, through their grazing activities. They are also economically and culturally important, providing recreational
By
Climate Adaptation Science Centers
link

Understanding the Effects of Climate Variability and Change on Ungulates in North America

Ungulates, or hoofed mammals such as elk, deer, and moose, occupy a diversity of habitats across North America, from Canada’s high arctic to the deserts of Mexico. Ungulates play an important ecological role, helping to regulate processes such as nutrient cycling in forests and grasslands, through their grazing activities. They are also economically and culturally important, providing recreational
Learn More
New Publication Synthesizes Climate Effects on Bears and their Interactions with Humans

New Publication Synthesizes Climate Effects on Bears and their Interactions with Humans

In a new synthesis publication, USGS researchers reviewed the documented and projected effects of climate on the ecology of black and brown bears in...

Read Article
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